When it’s time for cocktails, I’m almost always reaching for a bottle of vodka. The spirit can be mixed into whatever my friends and I have a taste for that night, whether that be a fruity punch, spicy Moscow mule or something infused with fresh herbs.
Despite its unmatched versatility, I’d never really given vodka’s background much of thought. How complicated can a spirit that goes with everything even be, right? As it turns out, quite a bit of time, resources and energy go into each bottle of crystal clear vodka. Keep reading for an in-depth look at how and what vodka is made of.
Vodka’s usefulness isn’t limited to cocktails. These are our favorite ways to cook with vodka.
What even is vodka?
According to the United States’ Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, vodka is a “neutral spirit distilled or treated after distillation with charcoal or other materials so as to be without distinctive character, aroma, taste or color,” which is “bottled at not less than 40% alcohol by volume (ABV).”
In more basic terms, vodka is water mixed with ethanol until it reaches a proof of 80, and no less. The spirit isn’t supposed to take on much of the flavor of its alcohol source, unlike the way gin gets flavor from juniper berries or tequila does from blue agave. Flavored vodkas are regulated under a different set of criteria which allows them to have fruit, citrus or herb additives. (We’d stick to regular vodka for these surprise uses.)
How is vodka made?
Vodka is made through a process that involves fermentation, distillation, dilution and filtration. It starts by creating a mash that is left to ferment until ethanol (alcohol) has formed. From there, the raw spirit is distilled to purify it and filter out any unwanted elements that would affect the product’s flavor, texture or overall characteristics. This process also removes the water that was added earlier, greatly increasing its ABV.
Many brands distill their vodka multiple times to create, what they believe, is the highest quality product possible. For instance, Ciroc, a French vodka, is distilled five times and Absolut Elyx is distilled twice. Not all turn to multiple distillations, though. Grey Goose cites its quality French ingredients as the reason for distilling its vodka only once.
Some alcohols, called rectified spirits, are bottled and sold at this stage of the production process and are so high in alcohol, they are meant to be mixed with water or another liquid before being ingested. One example is Everclear, which can reach 190 proof and is even banned in some states.
Depending on the purity of the water used, some vodkas need to be filtered before they’re bottled. Most are at the very least demineralized so the final product doesn’t become cloudy over time. Others are filtered through charcoal, lava rocks or quartz crystals to further remove unwanted elements. This additional step, again, affects the vodka’s overall characteristics including the nose, palate and finish.
Finally, the vodka is bottled and shipped to be imbibed around the world. How do we like it in our neck of the woods? With cranberry or tomato juice, of course.
OK, but what’s vodka made from?
Vodka is made from alcohol that is created by fermenting some sort or high starch or sugar plant matter with yeast. The most common types of plant matter used are cereal grains, like wheat, corn, rye or potatoes. Some brands that use these products for their mash are Ketel One, Tito’s, Belvedere and Luksusowa, respectively.
Vodka can also be made from fruit, like grapes, and sugar cane. Milk whey can even be used for the mash, like the English brand Black Cow does. Grain- and potato-based vodkas tend to have a more neutral profile than fruit- and sugar-based vodkas and are the traditional way to produce the spirit.
The yeast strain used to convert the sugar molecules into alcohol is specific to each brand, and is considered a closely guarded secret. If the plant matter used is heavy in starch, enzymes are also added to first convert the starch into sugar for the yeast to eat.
Once the alcohol is created, the raw spirit is distilled, diluted and filtered to make vodka.
What is the main ingredient in vodka?
Water is the main ingredient in most brands of vodka. After all, vodka comes from the old Slavic word voda, which translates to “little water.” The typical ABV for vodka is 40%, making the water content around 60% and resulting in an 80-proof spirit. While the United States’ ABV minimum is 40%, the European Union’s is 37.5%, allowing the water content to be slightly higher. Either way, it’ll stay liquid in your freezer.
While some brands of vodka, like Devil Spring and Balkan 176°, have an ABV of up to 88%, they’re intended to be diluted by the consumer before ingesting, like Everclear and other rectified spirits.
Now that you know all about this unassuming spirit, it’s time to mix up one of these choice cocktails.
Here's an old-time cocktail that was popular in the 1940s and '50s. A Moscow Mule is traditionally served in a copper mug with plenty of ice. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Tailgates, game-day parties and big brunches call for a Bloody Mary recipe that caters to a bunch. This one has a little bit of a kick—just enough to get the crowd cheering. —Taste of Home Test of Home Kitchen
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Mix up grapefruit vodka, ginger ale, grapefruit juice, a little wine and simple syrup and what do you get? A perfectly refreshing and beautiful sipper fit for any holiday or special gathering. —Becky Hardin, St. Peters, Missouri
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A friend and I invented this perfect-anytime drink. It’s similar to a caipirinha, Brazil’s national cocktail, but is vodka-based. Of course, there are endless flavor possibilities for this drink! —Christine Hair, Odessa, Florida
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Ginger and pomegranate are made for each other, and the color of this beverage is tantalizing. If you're looking for a nonalcoholic option, you can easily leave out the vodka for a delicious and festive drink! —Tara Deshpande, New York, New York
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You’ll love these whimsical champagne cocktails. The cotton candy melts away, leaving behind its pretty pink color. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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This spicy and sweet sipper gives you a little fix of jalapeno flavor minus the heat. Start a couple of days ahead to flavor the vodka. —Melissa Rodriguez, Van Nuys, California
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In the Midwest, Bloody Marys garnished with meats, cheeses and veggies are works of art. My beverage has skewers of bratwurst, cheese curds and dill pickles. —Kathryn Conrad, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Time to relax with a refreshing lemon drop martini! The combination of tart lemon and sweet liqueur will tingle your taste buds. —Marilee Anker, Chatsworth, California
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My family loves rhubarb, and this is such a fun way to enjoy it. It's nice to have in the freezer and bring out when guests drop by. Even people that aren't crazy about rhubarb enjoy it. —Cathie Beard, Philomath, Oregon
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Here are no-fuss black Russians that are smooth as silk. Perfect for those who aren't sure what they want. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Years ago, my mother made a rosy and refreshing party drink I’ve never forgotten. The sparkle comes from fruit juices, vodka and lemon lime soda. —Melinda Strable, Ankeny, Iowa
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We top off holiday celebrations with this creamy beverage. With sweetened condensed milk and ice cream, it's like a liquid dessert!—Fred Schneider, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
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I adore the combination of flavors in this recipe. The secret is to thaw the lemonade so it’s still slightly icy—this way the cocktail will be cool and refreshing. For a no-alcohol option, use peach juice and lemon-lime soda instead of schnapps and vodka. —Julie Danler, Bel Aire, Kansas
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Stir up Halloween beverages that are as bewitching as the rest of your menu. For a nonalcoholic version, just omit the vodka. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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With a nice level of pepper, and just enough dill from the pickle, these Bloody Marys are sure to please. To make Contrary Marys simply leave out the vodka. —Jay Ferkovich, Green Bay, Wisconsin
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I describe this cocktail as slightly tart, a little sassy and completely delicious. I make a big batch when I'm hosting a party because it tends to disappear quickly. Garnish with fresh mint and cranberries for an extra-special touch. —Kelli Haetinger, Virginia Beach, Virginia
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My girlfriends begin requesting this cocktail in fall and continue to ask for it through the holidays. Every sip is like a taste of pumpkin pie! —Cathleen Bushman, Geneva, Illinois
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A bubbly drink means it's time to celebrate! Try dressing up the usual hard lemonade with sprigs of rosemary and thyme for a refreshingly different cocktail any time of year. —Moffat Frazier, New York, New York
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This cocktail of sun-ripened strawberries and tender basil is so refreshing without being overly sweet. It’s our favorite. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina
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Horseradish makes this the best Bloody Mary recipe we've tasted. Without the horseradish, you'll have a more traditional Bloody Mary, and without the alcohol, you'll have a Virgin Mary. Serve with a stalk of celery, dill pickle spear or olives. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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With its pretty jeweled color and complementary orange-coffee flavor, this impressive martini lends an elegant, upscale feel to any party.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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The Kentucky Derby has the mint julep; the Preakness has the black-eyed Susan. The drink is a sunny mix of vodka, rum, and pineapple and orange juices to toast your special events.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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This adults-only hot chocolate is a decadent addition to any holiday gathering. It can easily be adapted to dairy lovers' tastes by substituting chocolate milk and heavy cream for the almond products.—Melanie Milhorat, New York, New York
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This creamy coffee-flavored drink is a star at any occasion and perfect for any season. White Russians are equally appropriate before or after dinner.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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The variations on martinis seem endless. But this sweet chocolate martini recipe is both creative and sophisticated in taste and presentation. It's a great way to finish or even start a meal.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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This refreshing hard lemonade has a mild alcohol flavor; the beer adds just enough fizz to dance on your tongue as you sip. Sorry, adults only! —Ginger Sullivan, Cutler Bay, Florida
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Rum gives a tropical addition to this fabulous homemade lemonade. If you have vodka on hand, try that instead of the rum. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Martinis recipes can be made with either vodka or gin. Our taste panel's preference was for the gin, but try them both and decide for yourself. Be warned, this is a strong and serious drink. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Here's a different drink for a beer-drinking crowd. It gets a touch of sweetness from lemonade. Make it in a blender for a frothy, fun look or mix in a pitcher for less foam.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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I created this citrusy cocktail while tending bar on the Jersey shore. For a festive finishing touch during the holiday season, garnish each glass with fresh cranberries. —Ralph Florio, New York, New York
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I first enjoyed this cocktail at a Derby day party and fell in love. With its beautiful color and zesty flavor, it’s a festive surprise for a summer picnic or party.—Peggy Foster, Florence, Kentucky
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The post What Is Vodka Made from, Anyway? appeared first on Taste of Home.
Caroline Stanko